Council continues fight against fraud

In North Lincolnshire Council’s latest Annual Fraud Report 2017/18 it highlights the work being done to tackle and reduce fraud in North Lincolnshire.

One of the programmes undertaken by the council’s Fraud Team was a trial reviewing Council Tax single residency discount. Credit reference agency data was used to identify cases where a discount may no longer be appropriate.

There were 6,752 single residency discounts reviewed and 1,370 of them were identified as requiring further action. Of those, 331 had their discount removed. The approximate savings from this was £69,000.

Further work undertaken has included working with the schools admissions team to identify inaccurate applications for school places, enabling more children to take a place at their preferred school.

The team have also undertaken investigations into allegations of Council Tax Support fraud and into potential fraudulent claims for council funding of individuals in residential care to identify and stop losses to council funds.

Additionally, the team support the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) investigation of housing benefit fraud, as well as supporting the police and other enforcement agencies with their investigations.

If you suspect a person or persons committing fraud, let us know confidentially online: www.northlincs.gov.uk/your-council/about-your-council/policy-and-budgets/fraud-hotline/, by calling the fraud hotline on 01472 326298 (option 1) or email hotline@northlincs.gov.uk.

Councillor Julie Reed, cabinet member for Finance and Governance, said: “We take fraud very seriously in all forms, we have a duty to be diligent in looking after and spending our residents hard earned cash. We will take action and prosecute offenders if necessary.

“The work highlighted in the report shows that through investigations and joint working, we are making great steps in tackling fraud and helping to save thousands of pounds.

“We would urge all residents to ensure that their records with us and other agencies are kept up-to-date, and not to take the risk. If you have had a change in circumstances, tell us straightaway.

“If you suspect any type of fraud is being committed please contact the fraud hotline on 01472 326298.”

The full report can be read at: www.northlincs.gov.uk/your-council/about-your-council/policy-and-budgets/fraud-and-corruption/.